Colters Run for Life

This Date in History: May 25, 1808

Although this event’s exact date and month remain veiled in mystery, it is known that spring of 1808 holds the infamous story of one of the West’s most famous explorers. On that fateful day in 1808, former Lewis and Clark expedition members, John Colter and John Potts, were trapping beaver on the Jefferson River near Three Forks when a warring band of Blackfeet surprised the two white explorers. In a panic, Potts shot and killed one of the warriors. The Blackfeet were instantly enraged and pumped Potts full of arrows. Watching his friend and business partner die before him, Colter knew his own life might be nearing its end. Although the warriors could have treated Colter to the same fate, they decided to strip Colter naked and give him a headstart as he raced for his life. Colter’s speed was an asset, and he quickly outran all but one of the ensuing warriors. In an act of sheer desperation, Colter turned around on his pursuer, speared him, and then began racing for his life again. Fortunately for Colter, he located some underbrush on the nearby river and concealed himself while the angry Blackfeet desperately searched for him. After the Blackfeet finally gave up their search, the still naked Colter walked over 250 miles through Gallatin Valley and across the Bridger Mountains. Finally, after days of running, the sunburned, starving, and injured Colter found safety at Fort Lisa on the mouth of the Big Horn River.